Transfer rumors are heating up, and a major one involves a key figure in Italy's recent European Championship triumph. Italian media outlet Tuttosport reports that Inter Milan and Italy star Alessandro Bastoni has decided he wants to play for Barcelona next season and has communicated this ambition to those close to him, including his current club.

The report suggests Bastoni's desire is driven by sporting ambition, not finances. He is apparently drawn to the scale of Barcelona's project and their targets for domestic and European success, seeing a potential move as a significant career step. It's emphasized that had money been the priority, the defender could have followed former manager Simone Inzaghi to Saudi Arabia last year.

While proud of his contributions at Inter and fond of his teammates and supporters, Bastoni is reportedly open to a new challenge. At an equal salary—understood to be around €7 million plus bonuses—he would allegedly choose a move to Catalonia over renewing with the Nerazzurri. However, the report also states he will not force an exit and will give his all for Inter as long as he wears the shirt, potentially ending his successful Milan cycle with more silverware.

For Barcelona, securing the signature of one of Europe's premier left-sided center-backs comes with a steep price. The Catalan giants would need to find approximately €70 million to meet Inter's valuation, with the possibility of a player like youngster Héctor Fort being included to reduce the cash outlay. One thing is clear: Inter Milan are not expected to offer any significant discount for their prized defender.